The Rise of Tom Wilson

It looks like the Washington Capitals have found itself as a team, after a period of uncertainty and unpredictability hovering over DC. After major victories against Tampa Bay Lightning, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Chicago Blackhawks–the team shows development, collective and individually talking.

Alex Ovechkin is currently leading the league in goals (21), scoring one of the six goals during the victory against the Blackhawks by 6-2 at the Capital One Arena. The GR8 also scored eight times in the last seven games. Nicklas Backstrom ended a 21-game scoring drought. And, last but not least, Tom Wilson registered four points (scoring two goals and two assists). Let’s take a look on his stats and how it shows his development, reminded as the tought guy and now adding some new characteristics: decisive and contributor to the offensive department.

In the 2013-14 season, Wilson recorded 10 points (three goals, ten assists) playing all the 82 games. In the next one, 2014-15, 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) in less games, 67. He played all the 82 games during the 2015-16 season, recording a career-high 23 points (seven goals and 16 assists). He would record 19 points (seven goals and 12 assists) playing once more all the 82 games during the 2016-17 season.

He would definitely show his worth during the 2016-17 playoffs. Before the Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, Mike Babcock, Toronto Maple Leafs’ head coach, said “Nothing against (Wilson) because he works hard and all that, but he’s not as big of concern as lot of people on their team.” The Caps were losing by 2-0, but they were able to tie the game and take it to the overtime. Then, Willy scored the OTGWG to give the Caps the series lead. During the Game 4, Wilson scored twice in the 5-4 victory, in order to tie the series at 2-2. The Caps would have won the series by 4-2.

After some important departures, many Caps fans have got worried about how the team would perform. But, as we can see, the team apparently has found itself and has created a good chemistry. Wilson isn’t gonna play all the 82 games this season due to his suspension but in the 25 games played to date, he has record 13 points (four goals, nine assists), putting him on pace for important individual achievements this season. Adding to this his usual tough game, he may be able to help the team as a whole and have his best season yet!